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New coalition to develop IT expertise in Atlanta

A new coalition in Atlanta, led by a Georgia Tech nonprofit and policy think tank and advocacy center, plans a multi-year effort to build a diverse and thriving tech economy in the city by boosting programs teaching and career paths in computer science.

As described in a recent press release, the CSforAtlanta coalition will work with eight K-12 school districts in the greater metro area to develop strategic plans for implementing computer science courses, as well as after-school programs for students and families. It will also work to recruit computer science teachers, facilitate their professional development, and work with city and state officials to approve policies to make computer science education equitable and sustainable.

Coalition leaders include the nonprofit Kapor Foundation, Georgia Tech’s Constellations Center for Equity Computing, and 19 specific individuals from those organizations and others, such as the Mayor’s Office, Atlanta Public Schools, the Georgia State University, Georgia Department of Education, Morehouse College, Clayton County Public Schools, Google, Amazon, RaspberriPi Foundation, CodeHouse, Goodie Nation and Siegel Family Endowment.


Georgia passed a law in 2019 mandating a computer science offering in middle and high schools by the 2024-2025 school year. However, a 2023 report from the nonprofit Code.org found that only 71% of Georgia high schools then offered computer science courses, and less than 6% of Georgia high school students took computer science courses this year.

Kamau Bobb, CSforAtlanta partner and senior director of the Constellations Center for Equity Computing at Georgia Tech, said in a public statement that the coalition should be a counterbalance to any barriers or opposition to students from diverse backgrounds entering the field.

“We stand at an unprecedented crossroads for our generation, where our efforts to achieve fair and just computing face direct legal and social opposition,” he said. “This collaboration between institutions and organizations will serve not only as opposition, but as champion to find sustainable pathways to support student growth from the classroom to the technology industry and meaningful contribution to society.” »

Donnie Beamer, senior technology adviser to Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, said in a public statement that building a strong local economy is only part of the coalition’s goal.

“Computer science provides students with computational thinking skills and exposure to concepts that will allow them to thrive, no matter what path they take after school,” he said. “It’s about providing opportunities for students ready to make an impact in Atlanta and around the world.”

The press release states that CSforAtlanta is the latest in a number of efforts, amounting to more than $10 million in investment, by the Kapor Foundation to expand computer science education, access to employment and related startups in the Atlanta area.